How Much Does Notarization Cost in the UAE? Public vs. Private Fees & Timeframes
When it comes to legalizing documents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), one of the first questions people ask is: “How much does notarization cost?”
Whether you need to notarize a Power of Attorney (POA), property agreement, commercial contract, or company resolution, understanding the fees and processing times for public and private notaries in Dubai and across the UAEcan help you plan better.
This article breaks down the cost of notarization in the UAE, the difference between public and private notary fees, and the timeframes you can expect.
Public Notary Fees in the UAE
Public notary services are provided by the UAE Ministry of Justice or, in Dubai, by the Dubai Courts Notary Public. Fees are government-regulated and depend on the type of document.
Common Public Notary Fees (Indicative Ranges)
- Power of Attorney (POA) – AED 100 to AED 500, depending on type (general or specific).
- Wills & Inheritance Documents – AED 500 to AED 2,000, depending on complexity.
- Property Sale / Lease Agreements – AED 100 to AED 300 per contract.
- Commercial Contracts – AED 300 to AED 1,000 depending on value.
- Board Resolutions / Company Documents – AED 200 to AED 500.
Timeframes
- Appointment Required – You usually need to book online in advance.
- Waiting Time – Can take several hours depending on queues.
- Processing – Document notarization is typically completed the same day once your appointment starts.
Best for: Standard notarization where cost is more important than speed or flexibility.
Private Notary Fees in the UAE
A private notary in Dubai or UAE is a licensed advocate authorized to provide notary services. Fees are higher than public notaries but the added convenience and faster service often justify the cost.
Common Private Notary Fees (Indicative Ranges)
- Power of Attorney (POA) – AED 750 to AED 2,000.
- Wills – AED 2,000 to AED 5,000 depending on complexity.
- Contracts & Agreements – AED 1,000+ depending on type and length.
- Corporate Documents – AED 1,500+ for board resolutions, MOAs, or shareholder agreements.
- Mobile Notary Services – Additional service charges for home/office visits (often AED 500–AED 1,000 extra).
Timeframes
- Faster Processing – Same-day or even within hours.
- Flexible Locations – At your office, home, or even via online notarization platforms (BOTIM/remote services).
- Extended Hours – Many private notaries operate beyond standard government office hours.
Best for: Urgent, confidential, or complex notarization where time and convenience are a priority.
Public vs. Private Notary: Cost & Time Comparison
| Feature | Public Notary | Private Notary |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Government (Dubai Courts / Ministry of Justice) | Licensed lawyer, government-authorized |
| Fees | Lower, fixed | Higher, flexible |
| Timeframes | Appointment, longer queues | Same-day, often within hours |
| Convenience | Limited office hours, in-office only | Mobile notary, extended hours, remote options |
Which Option Should You Choose?
- If you want cost-effective notarization in Dubai or UAE and can wait for an appointment, choose a public notary.
- If you need urgent notarization, flexible hours, or private service at your location, a private notary in Dubai is the better option.
Conclusion
The cost of notarization in the UAE varies depending on whether you use a public or private notary. While public notaries are more affordable, they often involve longer waiting times and limited flexibility. Private notaries, on the other hand, provide fast, convenient, and mobile notarization services—ideal for busy professionals, businesses, or urgent personal matters.
